Disability Support Worker Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Disability Support Workers in Sydney earn a median salary of $79,040 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $65,000 and $112,315. That sits 17% below Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 69 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 20% of roles by listing volume in Sydney ↓ -1 listings vs last month
💰 Disability Support Worker · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$65,000 – $112,315
Median: $79,040
May $80k
Jun $79k
→ Stable

Based on 2-month data — short-term movement only.

Mid level $65,000 – $112,651
Overall $65k–$112k Mid $65k–$112k $63k $73k $84k $94k $105k $116k
Moderate confidence 69 listings (-1 vs last month) · 05/07/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from advertised employer bands on Seek.com.au. Figures represent what employers publicly advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

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Bottom 10%  $65,000 Median  $79,040 $112,315  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

The wide band stands out: $65k to $112k, a 59.9% spread that reflects the gap between casual award rates and full-time NDIS-funded roles with penalties and qualifications. At $79k the median sits 16.8% below Sydney's $95k baseline, normal for care work. Brisbane actually pays more ($83k) for the same role, and demand is steady at 69 listings. The spread, not the median, is where the story sits: how you are engaged matters as much as your experience.

Take Home Pay (based on median $79,040)

Weekly (net)
~$1,179
Monthly (net)
~$5,109
Annual (net)
~$61,304
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $88,129

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Disability Support Worker in Sydney?
Support workers in Sydney start near the $65k p10, often on casual or part-time award rates. A Cert III or IV in disability or individual support, a driver's licence, first aid, and willingness to work shifts and sleepovers are what carry someone toward the $112k top of the band.
Is $79,040 a good salary in Sydney?
Depends. At $79k the median trails Sydney's baseline and nets around $61k, tight for the city, but it is normal pay for care work and the wide band means full-time NDIS roles pay well above it. Below-baseline here is expected, not a warning, though Brisbane offers about $4k more for the same job.
How much does a Senior Disability Support Worker make in Sydney?
The sample shows one mid band reaching $112k at the top, driven by qualifications, shift loadings and complex-care work rather than a formal senior grade. Reaching the ceiling means specialist qualifications and high-needs clients, with the move into coordination or team-leader roles the common next step.

Other roles in Sydney

Disability Support Worker salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $79,040 —
Brisbane $83,071 +5%
Adelaide $80,000 ~same
Gold Coast $80,000 ~same
Melbourne $80,000 ~same

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.